The first edition of Granfondo Svendborg in Denmark started Saturday 8 June with UCI Gran Fondo World Championship Time Trial qualifying on a 23km out-and-back lollipop route, followed on Sunday by a 157km gran fondo and 77km medio fondo.

255 riders registered to participate in the time trial, but only 200 rolled down the start-house ramp onto wet roads with 40 km/h wind, light rain and a cool 12C temperature.

37 year-old Norweigan time trial specialist Vidar Mehl (Raufoss og Gjøvik SK) recorded the fastest time, finishing in 30:17 with an average speed of 47.53 km/h in the M35-39 category. Taking just a few more seconds was Marcin Korbowy (30:23) of Poland in the M19-34 field. Next was local Danish rider Simon Jul Raben, also M35-39, at 30:44.

For the women it was an all Danish podium, with former national road race silver medalist Trine Andersen (CeramicSpeed Herning CK Elite) claiming top honors in 34:06 for the W35-39 category. Frederikke Asfeldt (34:36) in the W19-34 field was next, followed by W35-39 competitor Bianca Christiansen (35:11).

1300 riders participated in the road race events on Sunday, with 45-49 year-old men sweeping the overall podium. 47 year-old Dave Bruylandts, former pro racer banned for using EPO, finished the 157km gran fondo in 3:44:31, followed by Jan Tonnesen (3:44:34) and Jone Ellingsen (3:45:19).

Pro cyclist Femke Melis (KDM – Pack Cycling Team), who is married to Dave Bruylandts, was the fastest women in the gran fondo, finishing in 3:52:18 within the W40-44 category. Camilla Pedersen (3:52:22 W40-44) and Wies De Jong (3:55:25 W35-39) completed the overall podium.

Torleif Roberg (1:55:07 M60-64) and Melina Olsen (1:55:30 W50-54) were the fastest riders in the 77km medio fondo.

Participants finishing in the top 25% of their age/gender category at the time trial or road race fondos qualify to participate in the UCI Gran world championships taking place later this year in Aalborg, Denmark.

Complete Granfondo Svendborg results HERE.

Photo Credit: Facebook/UCIgranfondosvendborg – Lars Kirk

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